“The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947-1957,” is an exhibit which allows visitors a glimpse into the glamorous fashion houses of Paris and London after World War II.
On display in the Frist Center for the Visual Arts in Nashville through Sept. 12, the show is composed of apparel and accessories on loan from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England.
The exhibition celebrates an important decade in fashion history that began with the launch of Christian Dior’s famous New Look in 1947 and ended with his death in 1957. The romantic postwar silhouette pioneered by Dior scandalized and delighted the public and ushered in a period of remarkable creativity. Dior’s voluptuous collection featured sloping shoulders, a full bust and a cinched-in waist above long, full skirts.
In addition to Dior, the exhibit highlights the work of such luminary Paris designers as Cristobal Balenciaga, Hubert de Givenchy and Pierre Balmain. London designers featured include Hardy Amies, Charles Creed and Norman Hartnell. On view are examples of day wear, cocktail dresses and evening gowns designed for royalty and the aristocracy.
The Paris couture system set a template for the London couturiers, many of whom were trained in Paris. Although London could not compete in terms of output, its fashion and textile industry became increasingly profitable.
A section of the exhibit focuses on handcraft and techniques, with undergarments and the insides of dresses revealed. The meticulous care that went into creating every couture dress, suit, hat and shoe can be seen.
Another portion of the show includes photographs by Cecil Beaton, Richard Avedon and Irving Penn and show how images in fashion magazines enhanced the prestige of couture, while also making its innovative ideas widely known and accessible in America, as well as Europe.
The Frist Center is the only U.S. venue for the show and securing advanced, timed tickets is suggested. Call 615-244-3340 or visit www.fristcenter.org.
Also on display at the Frist is an exhibit of glass installations by Dale Chihuly and a show of photographs by Tokihiro Sata.
The Frist, 919 Broadway in downtown Nashville, is open 1 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday and Friday; and 1-5:30 p.m. Sunday (all times Central). Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors/military/college students and free for visitors under 18.